What happens if you can't swim in the NAVY?

Question

So i joined the NAVY but im in D.E.P and i dont leave until December 2nd going in as a GSM and my only worry is the swimming. When i talked to my recruiter before joining I told him that I didnt know how to swim and he said thats alright but now since its getting close to December I am getting a little nervous about not knowing how to swim. So will they teach me in bootcamp or will i be rejected?

Thanks for the help

Answer 1

They will absolutely teach you in boot camp, dont worry you wotn be the only one who cant swim. P.S. its more difficult to fail boot camp than you think. They will work with you to acquire the skills you need to pass and graduate. 99% of the time the only time you get kicked out of boot camp is if something medically is wrong that is stopping you from meeting the requirements or if you flat out refuse to do something. As long as you make a strong effort and keep trying, they will get you where you need to be.

Answer 2

They will teach you how to swim. You'll learn a couple of basic swimming strokes and such, but as long as you can take a leap off a diving board, make it into a life-raft, and get from the life-raft to the edge of the pool, you'll be fine.



When you're on board a ship, you'll be issued a life preserver for use in the incredibly unlikely event that the CO orders abandon ship. And then you'll only have to get to a life-raft.



GSM is not a rate likely to go overboard, so don't worry too much about it. Hell, I was an AD (Aviation Machinist's Mate) on board a ship for four years, and I never really learned how to swim.

Answer 3

If you have any extra time or money at all, I'm sure there's a pool somewhere near you where someone would be happy to teach you the basics for a small fee. Students are always desperate for money....

Answer 4

They will teach you how to swim. You will have to demonstrate four strokes (hint-you have to get your face in the water) and tread water for five minutes. Failing that, you have to demonstrate your ability to make various items of clothing (pants, coveralls) and use them to float.



The strokes aren't that bad at learning (except for the combat sidestroke), and it isn't that hard.



Good luck, and hope to see you in the fleet.

Answer 5

dad was in the navy back in the 60's , he told me that they tossed him off a boat and said sink or swim





hope your a fast learner :-)

Answer 6

They will teach you, it is not difficult- you either sink or swim.

Answer 7

You pray to whatever God you worship the ship doesn't go down.....